At one end of the grilled cheese spectrum, you find the classic simplicity of Kraft singles melted between slices of plain white bread. But on the other end, where culinary artistry meets comfort food, stands Ina Garten—a true maestro in the kitchen.
In a recently resurfaced 2013 clip from Salon, we are treated to a glimpse of Garten’s magic as she elevates this humble dish into something truly extraordinary. The video captures her in her element on Food Network, where she shares her secrets for creating what she calls the Ultimate Grilled Cheese—a sandwich that is anything but ordinary.
Garten begins by emphasizing quality right from the start. She opts for a bakery-fresh loaf instead of your run-of-the-mill grocery store bread and spreads butter generously on each slice’s exterior. This might seem like standard procedure until Garten takes it up a notch with an inventive filling: a blend of mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and grated Parmesan cheese that she slathers between those buttery slices.
The addition of Parmesan is an unexpected twist—one that even Garten admits is “unusual.” But she’s not done yet. To further enhance this already decadent creation, she adds diced cooked bacon to each sandwich layer, infusing it with smoky depth.
When it comes to cheese selection, forget about those pre-packaged slices; Garten insists on freshly grated white cheddar and Gruyere for their rich flavor profiles and nutty undertones. (Pro tip: If you’re making multiple sandwiches at once, using a food processor can make grating these cheeses much quicker.) Once assembled with care and precision, these sandwiches are pressed to perfection in a panini press.
The result? A grilled cheese experience like no other—oozing with cheesy goodness complemented by savory bacon and just enough tanginess to keep your taste buds dancing.
And if you want to take this indulgence even further? Pair it with Ina’s famous tomato soup for what can only be described as culinary bliss.
